17-year-old in custody after armed robbery at Christiana Mall; police looking for second suspect

A 17-year-old is in custody and another person is wanted by Delaware State Police in connection with an armed robbery outside the Christiana Mall in Newark.

Officers responded to the JCPenney parking lot shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. Police said two people were getting into their car when the teenager and another male suspect, who is believed to be in his early 20s, approached the victims.

The 17-year-old pulled out a gun while the other suspect took items from the victims, police said. The teen then hit one 47-year-old victim in the head with the gun and chased down the second victim, who escaped unhurt. The second suspect ran off with the stolen belongings, police said.

Troopers were able to chase down the armed 17-year-old, who was caught after running across Route 1. A loaded handgun was found in his waistband, police said. Police said the teenager was taken into custody for first-degree robbery and a number of firearm-related offenses.

Officials initially said the second suspect was armed, however in an update Sunday DSP said he did not have a weapon. The suspect was wearing a black jacket, dark jeans and a black face mask when he fled in an unknown direction.

The mall was not placed on lockdown or closed due to the incident, state police said. Around the same time, Delaware State Police said New Castle County Police were on the mall property investigating an unrelated carjacking incident.

Police urged the public to avoid the area and asked anyone who sees someone matching the description to call 911.

Anyone with information on the second man wanted in connection to the armed robbery is asked to contact Delaware State Police Detective J. Lucyk at (302) 365-8446.